Shloka 2.50.9

गङ्गादर्शनम् तथा गुहसमागमः (Vision of the Gaṅgā and Meeting with Guha)

Devanagari script

ततो धान्यधनोपेतान् दानशीलजनान् शिवान्।अकुतश्चिद्भयान् रम्यांश्चैत्ययूपसमावृतान्।।2.50.8।।उद्यानाम्रवनोपेतान् सम्पन्नसलिलाशयान्।तुष्टपुष्टजनाकीर्णान् गोकुलाकुलसेवितान्।।2.50.9।।लक्षणीयान्नरेन्द्राणां ब्रह्मघोषाभिनादितान्। रथेन पुरुषव्याघ्रः कोसलानत्यवर्तत।।2.50.10।।

Transliteration

taṁ jāgratam adambhena bhrātur arthāya lakṣmaṇam |

guhaḥ santāpa-santapto rāghavaṁ vākyam abravīt || 2.51.1 ||

Translation

Seeing Lakṣmaṇa keeping vigil, awake and without any show, solely for his brother’s sake, Guha—burning with grief—spoke these words to Rāghava.

Context

Rama, the best of men, crossed the auspicious land of Kosala which was worth seeing by kings. It looked charming with sacrificial posts and altars, pleasure gardens and mango groves and tanks filled with water. It was rich with herds of cattle, wealth and foodgrains. It was inhabited by charitable, contented and wellnourished people free from fear from any quarter. And it reverberated with the sounds of Vedic recitations.

Characters & Entities

• Guha
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (Rāghava)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma as selfless service: Lakṣmaṇa’s wakefulness is portrayed as pure duty toward his brother, free from display or self-interest.

What is the narrative situation?

During the night halt, Guha notices Lakṣmaṇa guarding Rāma and Sītā; moved by this devotion, he addresses Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s unwavering loyalty and vigilance (seva + rakṣaṇa), and Guha’s empathetic sensitivity.